It’s the first day of school for most kids in the Quad Counties.
The new school year within the Strait Regional Centre for Education starts Thursday.
Cst. Morgan MacPherson, the Antigonish RCMP community policing officer, says you’re reminded to be careful, and watch for children in crosswalks and intersections.
MacPherson tells The Hawk kids sometimes forget about road safety.
“The school year is starting up, kids are going to be excited to see their friends again, and (they) may not be as diligent at crosswalks as they should be,” he says. “We’re just asking everyone to slow down.”
MacPherson says they want to make sure drivers are careful around kids.
He says you can expect an increased police presence near school zones.
“There’ll be extra patrols out, especially the first week or so of the new school year,” he says. “(It’s) just to remind everybody that those speed zones are in place, and will be enforced.”
MacPherson says drivers should be especially careful this time of year, since kids are re-learning how to behave around cars.
He says you should discuss road safety with your kids.
“Kids that are walking to school, just impress upon them the safety aspects of crosswalks,” he says. “If there is a crossing guard, follow their instructions- if there isn’t, look both ways and make eye contact with the drivers.”
MacPherson says they’ll also work closely with crossing guards to monitor crosswalks and intersections.
